Policy & Vision
Mohammed Al Amoudi: Statement on Environmental Objectives
As an entrepreneur, philanthropist and father, for many years I have followed with great interest and concern the science of climate change, and the actions that I can take to improve the situation.
More than a decade ago, as Chairman of Preem, I instructed the management team to identify technologies and implement solutions that would eliminate or reduce any negative environmental impacts arising from our business operations.
Since then, I have also required a comprehensive assessment from my other businesses on their ability and strategy to improve, reduce or eliminate their impact on climate change. Those businesses that could not meet appropriate environmental targets, derived from a vision now fully shared between myself and my management teams, have been ordered to reduce or, if necessary, cease those businesses.
In addition, in my other European businesses, I have been instrumental not only in promoting the highest standards of environmental sustainability in the industrial consulting and property sectors but have invested personally in cleantech and renewable start-ups to help drive forward techno-innovation in this area.
As my views and society’s views have changed with improvements in the science and understanding of climate change, I have sought consistently to raise and accelerate our environmental objectives and these efforts will continue in the future.
Praise for Ethiopia’s First Satellite
On December 20th, 2019, Ethiopia launched its first ever satellite under the auspices of the non-governmental Ethiopia Space Science Society [ESSS]. This was the result of two important enabling events in 2012. The first was an ESSS agreement with the China National Space Administration. The second was US$5m donation by Mohammed Al Amoudi to the ESSS to enable it to set up the first Ethiopian space observatory in the hills of Entoto near Addis Ababa where the satellite now has its command and control centre.
Twenty Ethiopian engineers have been trained by the Chinese and will work in-country to make effective use of the new national asset, saving up to US$11m on the foreign currency that is currently spent on information from foreign-owned satellites. In addition, Ethiopia plans to use the ETRSS-1 space satellite for a range of activities, including agricultural transformation, forest resource monitoring, weather forecasting and assessment of mining potential assessment as well as infrastructure development and monitoring.
Mohammed said, “When the opportunity to support this initiative emerged, I saw the potential. Ethiopia is a rapidly modernising country. A satellite can provide much needed information specific to the country. I had faith in the ESSS and in my country of birth and I am very pleased to see that the launch was successful.”
Ethiopia: Mohammed Al Amoudi Calls For Industrial Transformation
In the latest issue of MIDROC Ethiopia’s corporate magazine Tiret, Mohammed Al Amoudi has called for the continued industrial transformation of Ethiopia. The IMF (International Monetary Fund) has recently projected growth rates in excess of 8 per cent in 2016 (much the same as in 2015) but around 90 per cent of Ethiopian GDP is still being driven by agriculture (in which Mohammed is a major investor) and by other services.
Industrial development is a central plank of the Government’s national strategic drive to build a secure and stable economy that can banish poverty and food insecurity. MIDROC is committed to supporting this process.
Mr Al Amoudi said, “At present, we stand at a crucial phase in our industrial transformation. The increased economic activity witnessed at the national level coupled with the global search for new business hubs in Africa reminds us that our own investment activities should be ready for more competition.” He then added, “To make up-to-date management decisions, I think we also need to keep a watchful eye on developments regarding various new financial regulations and directives being put in place by the Government of Ethiopia.”
“I also want to remind all in my companies here in Ethiopia that change is inevitable. We should be prepared for it. We need to do our best to maintain our contributions to economic growth, living up to our motto Committed to Development, especially by staying alert, being visionary, keeping track of new global trends and applying all available contemporary technologies to our day-to-day business activities.” He concluded, “I once again want to reassure all the management and employees of my companies that I will remain by your side and play my part in the realisation of our plans.”
Al Amoudi Calls On Students To Continue The Transformation of Ethiopia
The students of Unity University, the MIDROC-owned higher education institute, have confirmed their commitment to Ethiopia’s development at their 2012 graduation ceremony in the Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa. 1,600 students recently graduated from the University which was acquired by MIDROC in 2008 in order to build the human resources capacity required for the country’s development.
Current courses cover business and economics, information technology, computer science, architecture, town planning, law, journalism and communications, sociology and social anthropology amongst others. In his graduation speech, Chairman of the University, Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi, asserted that a university education created the capability to do any type of work required for the national development of Ethiopia and that the students should continue to develop their minds and so help build their nation.
After congratulating the students and paying tribute to the late Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr Al Amoudi said: “No country has seen such dramatic change as Ethiopia in the last 20 years. As far as I know, there was only one university in the days of the Emperor and now there are 31 state universities and around 60 private sector colleges.” He added, “The Government will draft its plans and it will prepare its roadmaps but the country will actually be developed by you, the new generation, the youth of the country. My generation is on the brink of retirement.”
He concluded, “I think about changing this country even in my sleep. Prime Minister Meles left me with a responsibility. I will never forget that responsibility. He wanted to change this country and it is changing. I have nothing to ask of you except that you use the knowledge gained here to continue that process of change.”
Mohammed Al Amoudi Honoured by Top US-Africa Business Organisation
Mohammed Al Amoudi was honoured as an African Businessman of the Year by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in Washington on December 16th, 2014. The Awards Ceremony had as its theme “A Celebration of Excellence in U.S.-Africa Business Relations”. The Awards were given to those “who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in private sector business development and superior service to nation and community”.
In prepared remarks, Mr Al Amoudi, a Saudi citizen, thanked the CCA and congratulated the other individuals who also received Awards. He reaffirmed his commitment to Africa where he has investments employing over 70,000 people across the Continent, but with a special commitment to Ethiopia where he was born, and added:
“I invest in Ethiopia because I want to see greater economic development and greater opportunity for all Ethiopians. We need to provide more training and educational opportunities for the youth of Africa as a whole. My companies and I have always supported training and education for all Ethiopians and for all Africans. My companies in Ethiopia are involved in a variety of industries that include construction, manufacturing, mining, hotels and agriculture. In all of these ventures, we employ and train local people to work on our projects.
“For example, through one of my companies, Saudi Star, we are working on the development of rice, a crop identified by the United Nations as a millennium food. In order to develop rice production, we have had to ensure that there is sufficient water for the crops. We are employing local workers to help build the irrigation and other infrastructures necessary to grow the rice, and we will employ thousands of Ethiopians to farm and process it. Our plans are to grow rice that can be exported and also feed the people of Ethiopia and Africa.
“I am proud of what we are accomplishing in Ethiopia and in Africa. I hope others will see the benefit in investing in the growth and development of not only in Ethiopia but in all African countries. I accept this award on behalf of my employees and my companies across Africa.”
The Corporate Council on Africa is the premier American organization devoted to U.S.-Africa business relations. It includes as members more than 160 companies which represent nearly 85 percent of total U.S. private sector investment in Africa.